The New York-based Applied DNA Sciences wants to differentiate between state-compliant and illicit market cannabis by spraying DNA tracking tags on the plants, but some advocates are concerned about regulatory overreach and safety.

Despite some marijuana being “legal” for medical and adult use in many parts of the United States, the vast majority of the cannabis still being produced and consumed is “illegal.” One company, Applied DNA Sciences, is now seeking to stake a claim in the cannabis industry by providing supply chain tracking through spraying a molecular DNA tag onto the buds themselves.